Limit switches are mechanical devices used mainly to limit the travel of various mechanisms. They are designed to monitor and control the position of moving parts in machines, mechanisms or automated systems.
Their area of application mainly includes cranes, hoists, winches, belt conveyors, assembly lines, elevators. They are also used as protection, interlocks in the event of service or an accident.
Structurally, the limit switch comprises a lever system mechanically connected to one or more electrical contacts. When interacting between the lever system and the moving parts of the monitored mechanism, the contacts are switched, which leads to the generation of an electrical signal that changes the state of its electrical contacts - turns on or off an electrical circuit.
Depending on the application, the need and the way of operation, the limit and limit switches are divided into latching or non-latching and emergency, which is used in the event of an accident or improper operation of the system.
Depending on the need, the limit and limit switches are activated in several different ways, which are:
Switches with a pushbutton or pushbutton pin are activated by direct pressure, and with the activation of a roller lever are suitable for linear or rotary movement of parts. Limit and travel switches are usually associated with automatic processes in industry, in assembly lines, elevators, opening and closing automatic doors.